Commanded by Rear Adm. Thomas Shannon, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 will also participate in routine scheduled exercises and engagements with coalition and regional partners.

"We will work closely with our regional partners to demonstrate our commitment to security and stability in the region," said Shannon. "Our arrival in Fifth Fleet represents our commitment to stand by our partners, friends and allies, and protect the free flow of commerce in the region."

Carl Vinson and embarked CVW 17 departed its homeport of Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., Nov. 30, for a deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. CSG 1 departed Hong Kong Dec. 30, after a three-day port visit, prior to transiting to U.S. 5th Fleet.

The U.S. Navy 5th Fleet AOR encompasses approximately 2.5 million square miles of area including the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, parts of the Indian Ocean and 20 countries.

For more information on CSG 1 and the USS Carl Vinson, visit http://www.public.navy.mil/airfor/cvn70, www.facebook.com/ussvinson or www.facebook.com/csgone.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.